Introduction: Eating disorders during the perinatal period represent a significant yet often overlooked health concern. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with intense physical, psychological, and social changes that may trigger the onset, recurrence, or worsening of eating disorders. Due to stigma, concealment of symptoms, and the lack of systematic screening, these disorders frequently go unrecognized, potentially leading to adverse consequences for both maternal and infant health. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma thesis is to explore the characteristics of eating disorders in the perinatal period and to identify the challenges faced by nurses in the care of pregnant and postpartum women with eating disorders. Methods: The descriptive research method was used, involving a review of professional and scientific literature published between 2016 and 2025. Results: A review of 8 scientific articles found that pregnant and postpartum women often conceal symptoms of eating disorders due to shame, guilt, and fear of stigmatization, which makes the timely identification of eating disorders during the perinatal period more difficult. The studies highlighted that symptoms may temporarily improve during pregnancy but frequently re-emerge or worsen in the postpartum period. The review also showed that nurses face several challenges when caring for these women, including a lack of specific knowledge about perinatal eating disorders, the absence of standardized screening tools, and insufficiently defined clinical guidelines. The research emphasizes the importance of empathetic communication, systematic screening, and interdisciplinary collaboration as key factors in improving the quality of care. It was found that appropriate training of healthcare professionals and the development of clear protocols can significantly contribute to the earlier recognition of eating disorders and to better perinatal outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women, as well as for the fetus and newborn. Discussion and conclusion: In the management of eating disorders during the perinatal period, the key role of early recognition, empathetic and non-judgmental communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration in the care of pregnant and postpartum women should be emphasized. To improve the quality of healthcare, additional education of healthcare professionals, the introduction of standardized screening tools and protocols, and increased awareness of the importance of timely recognition and treatment of eating disorders during the perinatal period are needed.
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